Things to know about the Thinx period underwear lawsuit

Things to know about the Thinx period underwear lawsuit

Thinx, the period underwear brand, recently reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit over allegations that its products contain potentially harmful chemicals.

According to the lawsuit, third-party testing found short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS) and an antimicrobial treatment called Agion in its products. This is significant because Thinx has long marketed its products as sustainable and non-toxic.

While Thinx denies the allegations made in the lawsuit and claims that PFAS were never part of its product design, news of the lawsuit - which came into the spotlight this week after the official settlement website was created - raises questions about the chemicals and whether consumers should be concerned.

Keep scrolling to learn more about PFAS and the Thinx period underwear lawsuit.

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are “widespread, persistent chemicals,” and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are thousands of them. Sometimes called “forever chemicals,” they break down very slowly and are often found in the blood of people and animals due to their widespread use. PFAS, which have been man-made since the 1940s, are also found in small amounts in food, the environment and consumer products.

Although their prevalence appears worrisome, it also makes it difficult to study them and determine how much risk they really pose to people and the planet, the EPA notes. Even experts still have many questions about PFAS, such as how to better detect them, how harmful they are to people and the environment, and how to handle and dispose of them.

More research is needed, but there are studies linking PFAS to health effects, including fertility problems, increased risk of some cancers and disruption of hormones, according to the EPA.

Why is Thinx embroiled in litigation?

Thinx has been served with at least three lawsuits since 2020, according to the class action lawsuit. While the brand claims its period underwear is non-toxic, third-party testing has found PFAS in its products. Agion, an odor control agent made from silver and copper nanoparticles, was also found in the underwear, although Thinx claimed its products do not contain non-migrating nanoparticles and harmful chemicals.

What agreement did Thinx reach?

Thinx has agreed to pay up to $5 million Dollar to settle the class action lawsuit known as Dickens, et al. v. Thinx Inc. The deal was preliminarily approved by the court on November 28, 2022 and affects those who purchased Thinx period underwear in various styles (Cotton Briefs, Cotton Bikini, Cotton Thong, Sport, Hiphugger, Hi-waist, Boyshort, French Cut, Cheeky and Thong) between November 12, 2016 and November 28, 2022, according to the settlement website.

If you purchased any of these models of Thinx period underwear within the specified period, you can submit an application online before April 12, 2023 to receive a refund or discount voucher.

Additionally, Thinx has agreed to ensure that PFAS are “not intentionally added” to its products. Suppliers must review and sign an agreement certifying that PFAS are not intentionally added to raw materials used to make the underwear. Finally, Thinx must disclose the use of antimicrobial treatments such as Agion and the purpose of their use on its website.